Nitrogen Volatilization from Arizona Irrigation Waters

• Published in: Communications in soil science and plant analysis 2008-09, Vol.39 (15-16), p.2378-2397
• Main Authors: Norton, E.R, Silvertooth, J.C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; air temperature; ammonium nitrogen; ammonium sulfate; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; geographical variation; Irrigation water; nitrate nitrogen; nitrogen; nitrogen content; nitrogen fertilizers; volatilization; water quality
• ISSN: 0010-3624; 1532-2416
• DOI: 10.1080/00103620802292608

A laboratory study was initiated to investigate the effects of temperature (25, 30, 35, and 40 °C) and water quality on the loss of fertilizer nitrogen (N) through volatilization out of irrigation waters collected from 10 different Arizona sources. A 300-mL volume of each water source was placed in 450-mL beakers open to the atmosphere in a constant-temperature water bath with 10 mg of analytical-grade ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] dissolved into each sample. Small aliquots were drawn at specific time intervals over a 24-h period and then analyzed for ammonium (NH4 +)-N and nitrate (NO3 -)-N concentrations. Results showed potential losses from volatilization to be highly temperature dependent. Total losses (after 24 h) ranged from 30-48% at 25 °C to more than 90% at 40 °C. Volatilization loss of fertilizer N from irrigation waters was found to be significant and should be considered when making decisions regarding fertilizer N applications for crop production in Arizona particularly when using ammonia-based fertilizers.